But Girlawhirl knew better. Just because they contain the word organic, it doesn't mean a VOC is friendly to the earth or to Girlawhirl's body. Truth be told, these volatile organic compounds are all kinds of gasses – like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene to name just a few – that spew forth from things like carpeting, paint and other household furnishings. Even office machinery like copiers and printers, glues and permanent markers ‘outgas' VOCs. As it turns out, the concentration of these gasses has been shown to be two to five times more concentrated inside homes and offices than outside. That new car smell? Between the carpet and synthetic leather seating, it's chock full of VOCs.

After purchasing a media center recently, Girlawhirl noticed that there was a distinct chemical smell in her apartment. She determined that the lacquer or varnish on the piece was the culprit and kept her windows open – and her friends away – for a few days until it dissipated. But gasses can continue to pollute her indoor air for a long time – some say up to three years – after the smell goes away.

Luckily there are lots of ways to reduce these indoor gasses:

• Paints: oil based paints emit more VOCs than latex but conventional latex paints are still made with solvents that are added to facilitate ‘spreadability.' Look for eco-friendly paints that are made without the typical solvents – some are even made with food grade ingredients. Don't forget to make sure that there's plenty of fresh air circulating during and after the painting process.

• Carpets: choose a non-synthetic carpet, like jute or wool and look for natural jute backing. Be sure that if adhesive is needed for installation (double check – maybe it's not) that it's a low-emitting adhesive. Again, be sure there's fresh air throughout installation and afterwards.

• Dry Cleaning: the most common solvent used in conventional dry cleaning is perchloroethelyne, or perc, which has been reported to increase the risk of cancer in people who work at dry cleaners. Experiment with washing sweaters (always laying flat to dry) instead of dry cleaning and think about upgrading to a washing machine that has a wool cycle and/or a steam cycle, which can refresh clothes in between wearings so that they don't need to be dry cleaned as often. Changing to an organic cleaner will prevent perc from getting through the door. If that's not an option, then be sure that clothes are dry and don't have a strong chemical smell when you pick them up from the dry cleaner. If they do, switch cleaners. Always remove plastic and air garments out when you get them home.

• Furniture: try to find pieces that are finished with eco friendly veneers and varnishes. Other natural and organic things to look for are: wood that's certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, glues and stains that are non-toxic, recycled metals, upholstery done in cotton, linen, bamboo, wool or hemp.

• Household cleaners: switch to eco-friendly cleaners that don't contain harsh chemicals. They're not just better for the environment; they're better for you! Brands like Method Home, Mrs. Myers, Caldrea and Holy Cow smell – and clean – great.

Armed with this information, Girlawhirl's in the process of getting her indoor air pollution under control.